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Written by Mouriesh SK

If there’s one name that consistently resonates with Stretford Paddock FC’s attacking prowess, it’s Joao De Andrade. The dynamic winger, known for his explosive pace and sharp finishing, has been a linchpin in the team’s rise through the ranks of grassroots football. But beyond the goals and accolades, Joao embodies a work ethic that has earned him the unwavering respect of teammates, coaches, and fans alike. Now, as he reaches a major milestone—his 100th appearance for the club—it’s the perfect time to reflect on his journey and impact.

The Journey to 100

Like many aspiring footballers, Joao’s love for the game began in school. “I just started playing in primary school and kept going from there,” he recalls. Sunday league teams became his training ground, shaping his skills and passion for the sport. But it wasn’t until 2021, halfway through the season, that Joao found himself at Stretford Paddock FC.

“I played against Stretford Paddock in a cup game while at East Manchester,” he explains. “Then Steve (Howson) dropped me a message, invited me to training, and I was really impressed with how the club was run. The structure, the tactics, the intensity—it just felt like the right fit for me.”

Transitioning from East Manchester to Stretford Paddock didn’t pose many challenges for Joao, as he was still relatively new to his former club. “I didn’t really have time to settle in East Manchester, so moving to Paddock was quite smooth,” he says. “The biggest adjustment was just getting to know my new teammates.”

A Player Defined by Movement

Joao’s versatility as a right and left winger has been a game-changer for Stretford Paddock. But what truly makes his style stand out? “For me, it’s always about movement off the ball,” he says. “Stretching defenders, creating space—not just for myself but for my teammates. If I keep making runs, I know I’m pulling defenders out of position, which allows us to push higher up the pitch.”

His commitment to relentless movement is as much about selflessness as it is about strategy. “It’s about being unselfish—making those runs that might not always result in a goal for me but help the team in a big way.”

That selfless approach, combined with his sharp finishing, has made Joao a consistent force for the club. His record speaks for itself—100 appearances, 38 goals, and 14 assists since joining the club. His key to consistency? “Always being available,” he says. “Being at training, being present for games, understanding my teammates, and knowing what the manager expects—it all adds up.”

Moments That Matter

With so many goals to his name, it’s hard for Joao to pick just one standout moment. “That’s a tough one,” he admits. “I really liked the goal against St Helens earlier this season. But if I had to choose, I’d say the one away at Sandbach—mostly because Steve (Howson) kind of went over on himself during that play, which made it even funnier.”

Beyond the goals, one of Joao’s proudest achievements is winning Players’ Player of the Season back-to-back in 2022/23 and 2023/24. “That means a lot to me,” he says. “It’s one thing to win awards from the club or the league, but when your teammates vote for you, it shows that they value what you bring to the team. That’s special.”

A Leader On and Off the Pitch

Joao isn’t just a key player—he’s also a mentor. As part of the U21s coaching setup, he’s deeply invested in helping younger players develop. “It’s not just about football,” he says. “It’s about how they carry themselves, how they grow as individuals. Seeing young players develop on and off the pitch is one of the most rewarding parts of coaching.”

His biggest advice to young players? “Work hard. Make yourself available. Even if you’re not in the starting eleven, be around the club, get to know your teammates, understand the system. Eventually, your time will come.”

More Than a Club

Ask Joao what Stretford Paddock FC means to him, and his answer is immediate: “It’s like a family,” he says. “The club, the people, the atmosphere—everyone is in it together. There are no egos. Everyone works as a collective.”

That sense of unity extends to the fans, whose unwavering support fuels the team’s drive. “We always want to give our best for the fans,” he says. “They come down to support us, even when times are tough. The only disappointment is not being able to give them silverware yet. That’s something I want to change this season.”

The Final Three Words

So how does Joao De Andrade define his playing style in just three words? “Hardworking. Goals. Skills.”

A fitting summary for a player who has become a symbol of dedication, talent, and relentless drive at Stretford Paddock FC. With 100 matches under his belt and many more to come, Joao remains at the heart of the club’s ambitions—perhaps even that dream FA Cup run.

Written by Dhruv Shah

Proceedings in Cheshire League 2 will resume this week after a short break as Stretford Paddock will travel to Ruskin Drive Sports Ground to take on league leaders St. Helens Town, with the match kicking off on March 15th at 3 PM.

Paddock are coming into this game after a couple of 1-0 defeats against Arc FC and Wythenshawe Res. Despite their good performances, they were unable to break down the opposition’s defences and they will be looking to bounce back in their next game.

Paddock’s league form has been nothing short of scintillating since October 2024, going on an unbeaten 9-game run and collecting 23 points out of a possible 27. They will be looking to continue this run and get back into the top 2 with Lymm Rovers sitting a point ahead of them, having played an extra game.

St. Helens Town have been one of the best sides in the league this season, sitting comfortably at the top of the table with an 8-point lead. They have been unbeaten in the league so far this season, and they will be looking to extend that run at home. However, their only defeat of the season came against Stretford Paddock, losing by a 4-goal margin in the JA Walton Challenge Cup.

The men in red will be gearing up for this game with a lot at stake. They will be really confident having defeated St. Helens Town 4-0 just about a month ago, handing them their first defeat of the season. There are a few sides breathing down their neck in the table, and this game will be a great contest which can give them a huge boost for the remainder of the season.

This weekend’s game will be a special one for every Stretford Paddock fan with Joao de Andrade set to make his 100th appearance for the club, becoming the first player to reach this milestone. Having been one of the key contributors so far this season, leading on and off the pitch, he will be looking to make this moment a memorable one for the club and his team with a victory over St. Helens Town.

With both sides having had a couple of weeks of rest coming into this match, they will be fresh and ready to make a mark in one of the biggest games of the season. While St. Helens Town will be looking for revenge in this game, Paddock will be looking to double down and achieve another statement victory.

It was another eventful weekend for Stretford Paddock’s youth teams, with key matches in league and cup competitions.

U12 Reds Progress to Cup Final

Final Score: 2-0 vs Juno United

The U12 Reds battled hard to secure a 2-0 victory in the semi-final of the Champ Fused Sports Cup. The match was tightly contested, with both teams playing quality football. A well-worked combination play led to a penalty, which Odhrán converted confidently. A crucial goal-line clearance from Arthur preserved the lead before a brilliantly worked corner resulted in Wilfred heading home the second goal.

Man of the Match: Sawyer put in a solid defensive display, despite just returning from illness.

Next Fixture: League match vs. Cheadle Town Juniors U12 Reds (16/02/25).

U16 Reds Face Tough Defeat Against Bury

Final Score: 1- 4 vs Bury

Playing on a fantastic pitch at Gigg Lane, the U16 Reds put in a valiant effort but were undone by Bury’s physical and clinical approach.

Match Summary: Despite dominating possession, the Reds fell behind against the run of play after a controversial refereeing decision. A mistimed substitution before halftime led to Bury doubling their lead. A second-half fightback saw Leland set up Keifer for a goal, but a quick counter from Bury sealed the result at 4-1.

Areas for Improvement: The team must remain resilient and focused ahead of their crucial quarter-final match next weekend.

U12 Blacks Triumph in Semi-Final Thriller

Final Score: 6-3 vs Denton Oranges

The U12 Blacks secured their place in the Cup Final with a dominant performance. The team executed their game plan well, controlling the midfield and creating chances throughout.

Match Summary: Millie opened the scoring with a stunning solo effort, while Oscar’s follow-up strike restored the lead. A second-half masterclass saw Arthur, Lyle, Harris, and Erdi all get on
the scoresheet in a commanding display.

Man of the Match: Arthur Rutter impressed in the CAM role, dictating play and scoring a superb goal.

Next Fixture: The U12 Blacks will now prepare for their Cup Final in May.

Final Score: 2- 4 vs Atherton Laburnum

Despite playing some brilliant attacking football, the U21s suffered a 2-4 defeat due to costly defensive mistakes.

Match Summary: The team started brightly but quickly found themselves 0-2 down following two errors. A stunning goal from Usman Akali before halftime gave hope at 2-1. The second half saw the team struggle to regain momentum, conceding a third goal. A late push brought the score to 2-3, but the opposition struck on the counter to confirm the loss.

Standout Performer: Joe Coleman put in an excellent performance and was a key figure throughout the match.

Areas for Improvement: While the team’s attacking play was promising, they need to improve their defensive discipline and limit individual errors to turn good performances into results.

Next Fixture: To be confirmed.

Final Score: 1-3 vs Afc Stockport

The Amateurs faced a tough test in a friendly match against a higher-division team. While the match provided opportunities for several players who hadn’t had many minutes, the team delivered a brilliant performance.

Match Summary: The first 10 minutes saw the team struggle to adapt to a poor playing surface, conceding two early goals. However, once settled, the Amateurs dominated possession and pulled one back to make it 2-1. Despite creating multiple scoring opportunities, they were unable to capitalize, and the opposition punished them on the counter to seal the game at 3-1.

Standout Performer: Josh Brown was the standout performer, demonstrating great composure and influence throughout the game.

Areas for Improvement: The game served as a valuable test for next season’s ambitions, with clear areas to work on in positional play and transitions.

Next Fixture: To be confirmed

Final Score: 1-5

A tough result for the U21s, but the scoreline doesn’t reflect the full story. The team showed a brilliant second-half performance and created several chances, but it just wasn’t our day in front of goal.

Standout Performer:
Usman Akali made his debut and was a standout player throughout the game.

Areas for Improvement:
The team can take positives from their strong second-half display and use it as a foundation for future performances. Sharpening finishing will be key to converting chances into goals and making the most of attacking opportunities. As the squad continues to adapt to new coaching methods, steady improvement will be essential in building confidence and cohesion.

Next Fixture:
To be confirmed.

Final Score: 5-2

The Amateurs secured an impressive victory to progress to the quarter-finals of the Wray Cup. A strong team performance saw some brilliant football played throughout the match.

Standout Performer:
Anthony Ambage was outstanding, delivering a brilliant performance from start to finish.

Areas for Improvement:
While the team delivered an excellent performance, there are still key aspects that can be refined in training to ensure continued progress. Maintaining consistency will be crucial, as building on this strong display will help sustain momentum in the competition.

Next Fixture:
Quarter-final match to be confirmed.

After a great start in Cheshire League 2 for Stretford Paddock FC, they sit 4th in the league table, 6 points off top spot, following their recent 2-2 draw against Newton Athletic at The Cheshire County Sports Club. However, attention will now shift towards the JA Walton Challenge Cup for Stephen Howson’s men as they go up against league leaders St. Helens Town.

Paddock have steadily grown in the past few weeks. Their 7-0 and 4-0 victories against Daten FC Reserves and Moore United respectively indicated the growing confidence within the players at the club. The men in red proved their mettle once again when they came back from 2 goals down to secure a point against Newton Athletic. They will be looking to continue this run on Saturday.

On the other side though, St. Helens Town are on a scintillating run themselves. Unbeaten in the last 20 matches in all competitions, they will be looking to extend that run against Paddock. They have been able to spread their goals around the team, with three players scoring 6 goals each – Charlie Simpson, Charlie Leech and Marc Gibson.

Despite the performances of St. Helens Town this season, Paddock will be going into the game with the belief that they can overcome this challenge. In the first league game of the season, it was an extremely tight affair between the two sides, with the game ending 2-2 at the Project Solar Stadium. Paddock dominated the game, with 53% possession and 22 shots on that day, with Joao De Andrade and Sam Pratt putting the ball in the back of the net. Paddock will again look to make their home advantage count and edge out St. Helens Town.

This fixture is expected to produce fireworks this time around as well, especially with survival in the JA Walton Challenge Cup at stake. While the away side will be looking to extend their 20-match unbeaten streak, Paddock will be looking to lay down the marker and send out a message to the entire league that they are coming for the top spot.

Gear up for this weekend and we will be expecting to see you at the Project Solar Stadium.

It was a busy and eventful weekend for Stretford Paddock’s youth teams, with impressive performances across various age groups. Thrilling matches and standout performances across various age groups, from hard-fought cup clashes to dominant league displays, the teams showcased their skill and determination.

U12 Blacks advanced to the semi-finals of the Div 4 Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout win against Hyde United. The team stuck to their game plan, playing disciplined, high-quality football throughout, maintaining control, creating chances, and executing their tactics effectively in a well-rounded performance. Harris gave Paddock the lead early in the second half, but Hyde equalized from a corner. A solid penalty display, including crucial saves from Michael, secured their progression to the semis.

U12 Whites were unlucky in their cup clash against Marple Athletic, despite dominating possession and creating plenty of chances. From the first whistle, Paddock dominated proceedings, dictating play and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Despite relentless pressure, they were left frustrated as they failed to convert their chances. A pair of quick counterattacks saw Marple take a 2-0 lead, but Paddock responded late through Lewis. However, they couldn’t find the equalizer, exiting the competition despite a strong display.

U12 Reds secured a 3-0 win over Heaton Mersey Vipers in the Cup Quarter Finals. Goals from Leighton, Wilfred, and Odhrán sealed the victory, with Odhrán also impressing with a solid defensive display and a brilliant free-kick. Goalkeeper Tom made a key save to preserve the clean sheet. The team displayed excellent passing, pressing, and build-up play, though tracking back remains an area for improvement. Next up is a tough Semi-Final against Juno on February 9th, with the boys ready for the challenge.

U16s Saturday Team faced a tough test against Roach Dynamos U18s in their cup quarter-final but showed resilience. Paddock started brilliantly, moving the ball quickly and setting the tempo early on, immediately putting their opponents on the back foot. Their attacking intent was clear from the first whistle. An early goal from Leland set the tone, and he added a second before Roach pulled one back from the spot. Nichoi’s stunning strike restored the advantage, and despite a late push from the opposition, Paddock held firm to secure a well-earned victory.

U16s Reds Sunday Team returned to league action in style, dismantling AFC Manchester with an emphatic 9-0 win, echoing Manchester United’s famous 9-0 thrashing of Southampton. Harvey opened the scoring, followed by a first-half brace from Noah, setting the tone for a ruthless display. Just like United did that night, Paddock showed no mercy in the second half, shifting gears and adding six more, with goals from Leland, Junior, another from Harvey, two from Keifer, and a spectacular finish from Alfie. A dominant performance and a second consecutive clean sheet underlined their title ambitions in emphatic fashion.

A fantastic weekend overall for Stretford Paddock, with cup progression, dominant wins, and strong performances across the board. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing, as the U12s Whites suffered a frustrating defeat despite dominating the game. Nonetheless, momentum is building across the teams as they head into a crucial run of fixtures in February, eager to keep pushing forward.

Final Score: 3-3

The first 15 minutes were disappointing in terms of possession and attacking play.
We conceded early, going 1-0 down, but then began to find our rhythm, turning the game around to lead 3-1.

Unfortunately, a red card left us playing the remainder of the match with 10 men. This proved costly as we conceded two late goals in the final five minutes, resulting in a 3-3 draw.

Man of the Match:  Victor Iyumva delivered a standout performance.

Areas for Improvement:

• Maintain composure and enjoy possession.
• Avoid losing focus or becoming bored with controlled, possession-based play.

Next Fixture:
A challenging league game against the team currently 3rd in the table. We’re prepared to give it everything to represent ourselves well.